Cast
View AllTony Church
as Prologue
John Stride
as Henry VIII
Julian Glover
as Duke of Buckingham
Jeremy Kemp
as Duke of Norfolk
David Rintoul
as Lord Abergavenny
Timothy West
as Cardinal Wolsey
John Rowe
as Cromwell
Lewis Flander
as Duke of Suffolk
Alan Leith
as Sergeant-at-Arms
Claire Bloom
as Katharine of Aragon
John Bailey
as Griffith / Gentleman Usher
David Troughton
as A Surveyor
John Nettleton
as Lord Chamberlain
Charles Lloyd Pack
as Lord Sandys
Nigel Lambert
as Sir Thomas Lovell
Crew
Director
- Kevin Billington
Producer
- Cedric Messina
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Henry VIII examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Kevin Billington brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1979, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Henry VIII took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 166 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 210 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 373 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1979, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Henry VIII shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Last Lear, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Henry VIII offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Hamlet at Elsinore and Twelfth Night explore similar territory, Henry VIII stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 25, 1979
- Runtime: 2h 46m
Where to Watch
